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How to Apply for an AMSA Certificate of Competency 

If you’re planning a career on commercial vessels in Australia, you’ll need an AMSA Certificate of Competency. Within the maritime industry, these qualifications are often simply referred to as “tickets”. Examples include:

  • General Purpose Hand (GPH)
  • Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal (Coxswain 1 NC)
  • Master <24 Metres Near Coastal (Master <24 NC)
  • Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal (MED 2 NC)

These certificates are issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and are required before you can perform many roles on a Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) operating in Australian waters.

MAST Helps You Get Ready

While Maritime and Safety Training (MAST) cannot issue an AMSA Certificate of Competency, we can help you obtain most of the requirements needed to successfully apply to AMSA.

Depending on the certificate you are seeking, MAST offers or can assist you with:

  • The appropriate nationally recognised qualification through our Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90440)
  • AMSA Mandated Practical Assessments (AMPA)
  • Elements of Shipboard Safety (ESS) units, which are required for every Certificate of Competency
  • First Aid qualifications
  • Marine Radio Operator’s Licences (LROCP and SROCP)
  • Advice on qualifying sea service requirements
  • Guidance throughout the AMSA application process

Our experienced trainers can explain the pathway, help ensure your documentation is complete, and answer any questions before you submit your application to the regulator.

General Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for an AMSA Certificate of Competency, you will generally need to:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English
  • Meet AMSA’s medical and eyesight requirements
  • Successfully complete the required training and assessment
  • Hold any required First Aid qualifications
  • Complete the required qualifying sea service for your certificate
  • Successfully complete any required AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)

Specific requirements vary depending on the certificate you are applying for.

Your Pathway to an AMSA Certificate

Step 1 – Choose the Right Qualification

The first step is selecting the correct Certificate of Competency for your intended role. Whether you wish to become a:

  • General Purpose Hand
  • Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal
  • Master <24 Metres Near Coastal
  • Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal

our training team can help you determine the most appropriate training pathway.

Step 2 – Complete Your Training

Complete the nationally recognised qualification required by AMSA. Many certificates also require:

  • AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)
  • Elements of Shipboard Safety (ESS)
  • First Aid qualification
  • Marine Radio Licence

MAST delivers these courses throughout the year and can help you plan the most efficient pathway.

Step 3 – Complete Your Sea Service

Most AMSA Certificates of Competency require documented qualifying sea service. Sea service requirements differ between certificates and must satisfy AMSA’s eligibility criteria before an application can beapproved.

Our team can explain the sea service requirements applicable to your chosen certificate.

Step 4 – Complete Medical Requirements

Before applying, you’ll need to satisfy AMSA’s medical and eyesight standards. This generally involves visiting an approved medical practitioner and obtaining the required medical documentation.

Step 5 – Apply to AMSA

Once you’ve completed all requirements, you can lodge your application directly with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. You can apply in either of two ways:

Online

Submit your application through the myAMSA Portal, upload your supporting documents, and pay the application fee.

Paper Application

Complete AMSA Form 426 and lodge it, together with your supporting documentation and proof of identity, at a participating Australia Post outlet.

For international STCW Certificates of Competency, applicants should use Seafarer Form 419 instead.

Step 6 – Receive Your Certificate

Once AMSA has assessed your application and confirmed that all eligibility requirements have been met, they will issue your Certificate of Competency.

Important Information

MAST is a Registered Training Organisation and provides nationally recognised maritime training and assessments.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the regulatory authority responsible for:

  • assessing applications
  • determining eligibility
  • issuing Certificates of Competency
  • maintaining the national certification system.

Successful completion of a training course alone does not automatically result in the issue of an AMSA Certificate of Competency. Applicants must satisfy all AMSA requirements, including training, practical assessment, sea service, medical fitness and any other applicable eligibility criteria.

Need Help?

Choosing the correct maritime qualification can be confusing, particularly if you’re new to the industry. Our experienced maritime trainers can help you understand:

  • which Certificate of Competency is right for you
  • the training you’ll need
  • your sea service requirements
  • what additional courses are required
  • how to prepare your AMSA application.

Contact Maritime and Safety Training (MAST) today and let us help you begin your career on Australia’s commercial vessels.